COMPILED BY RICHARD CORNISH AND SARAH LANG.

1. One Ring to Bind Them 

Thinking of making your own ring? Jeweller Bec Podolinsky from Pod Jewellery in Kyneton will show you how in her Kyneton workshop. She runs workshops, including wedding ring workshops, with a difference supplying all the tools, equipment, sterling silver, morning, lunch and afternoon tea and discounts on accommodation nearby. Her Silver Ring Workshops see you and just four others sit at a traditional jeweller’s bench and learn to use precision tools including callipers, files, pliers, hammers, a soldering torch, ring mandrel, punches and more. At the end of this fun class, you’ll take home your beautiful handmade sterling silver ring. The summer class is on February 10 with classes running in autumn on March 17 and April 6. This all-inclusive, one day workshop costs $330. 

podjewellery.com.au 

2. Bend It Like a Yogi 

In the heart of the Wombat State Forest is the Rocklyn Ashram. This is a beautiful place where 5000 people come each year to experience traditional aspects of Yoga and Yogic lifestyle programs. The Rocklyn Yoga Ashram believe in the vision of sharing a diverse range of wellbeing programs to suit people from all walks of life seeking Yogic lifestyle and awareness practices. In a world that is time poor, they believe that individuals need an authentic place of retreat to rediscover inner balance and peace in a natural sustainable environment. The team behind Rocklyn Yoga Ashram believe in the vision of sharing a diverse range of wellbeing programs to suit people from all walks of life seeking Yogic lifestyle and awareness practices. In a world that is time poor, they believe that individuals need an authentic place of retreat to rediscover inner balance and peace in a natural sustainable environment. On February 10 they are holding a special one-day workshop which includes Yoga Asana and Pranayama practice, Meditative Bush Walk, Yoga Philosophy talk, Mantra Chanting session, Yogi – vegetarian lunch, morning and afternoon tea plus many good vibes. 

Rocklyn Yoga Ashram, 393 Dean-Barkstead Road, Rocklyn; www.yogavic.org.au 

3. Stars at Hanging Rock 

Celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day on Saturday February 16 under the stars at Hanging Rock. Bring along a rug and a picnic and enjoy a screening of Peter Weir’s famous film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”. Adults $25 Children $10 Families $60 

Saturday 16 February 7:00pm Hanging Rock; 139 South Rock Road, Woodend. Purchase tickets via www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Events 

4. The Old Hepburn 

We love the Old Hepburn pub, with her jaunty weatherboards, eight different parmas and pie of the day. It is also a great place to see live music. This month checkout Marty Luke playing on Saturday Feb 23 at 8pm. As his blurb reads, “Performing classic covers from the 40’s to now, Marty has a unique acoustic sound…. think old crow, Ryan Adams, Cam Kettle, The Pogues, Springsteen and the Goo Goo Doll rolled into one. His smoky vocals and bluesy finger styling work with a driving rhythm bring new and old tunes to life.” See you at the Old Hepburn. 

The Old Hepburn Hotel; 236 Main Road, Hepburn Springs; 53482207; oldhepburnhotel.com.au 

5. A night with Uncle Jack 

Spend a night at the Theatre Royale with national treasure, award-winning actor, Aboriginal elder and activist Uncle Jack Charles (above), annotating his colourful life and brilliant career in words and music. Hosted by respected broadcaster Namila Benson plus special guests. Uncle Jack Charles is an actor, musician, potter and gifted performer, but in his 74 years he has also been homeless, a heroin addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons. A member of the Stolen Generation, Jack has spent his life in between acting gigs, caught in the addiction/crime/doing time cycle. Today — no longer caught in the cycle — he lives to tell the extraordinary tale. Saturday March 2 at 8pm. The show goes for 3 hours with a 20 minute interval. Tickets $45.90. Buy them here.

Theatre Royal Castlemaine; 30 Hargraves St, Castlemaine; 03 5472 1196; theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au